November 2024 issue of 4X4 Australia is out now

We say it every year, but this year has flown by. Yep, our November 2024 issue of 4X4 Australia is already in stores and en-route to letterboxes.

As always, the new mag is loaded with quality off-road content. This month we take a closer look at the recently revealed seventh-gen Nissan Y63 Patrol, which wears a strikingly different design compared to its predecessors, employs a V6 twin-turbo engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and features customisable adaptive air suspension. It won’t land locally until 2026, though.

The new Prado 250 will arrive much sooner than that, but before it officially arrives in Australia we’ve spent some time in its Lexus twin: the GX550 in Overtrail guise. The luxury Lexus isn’t cheap, but does its 260kW/650Nm 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol engine make it a viable alternative to the diesel-only Prado?

Sitting in a similar segment is the Ford Bronco, and while you can buy a RHD Bronco in Australia, you’ll need very deep pockets. The variant we tested off-road for this issue – a Black Diamond edition – is a touch under $200K plus on-road costs once it has been transported from its homeland and then converted, engineered and complied. It’s highly capable, but how many people will actually buy one?

Matt was impressed following the launch of the Tank 500 earlier this year, so he decided to spend a more sizable chunk of time behind the wheel of the well-equipped large 4x4 wagon. After a week testing the $74K Ultra edition which puts out a meaty 255kW and 642Nm, Matt reckons it delivers the goods on- and off-road at a very reasonable price.

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Also from GWM, we put two left-hand drive evaluation units using the brand’s Hi4T PHEV system – fitted to Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 models – to test on a closed road circuit and off-road track. These PHEV variants are still under evaluation for Australia, but they’re expected to be added to the GWM line-up in the not-too-distant future.

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We’ve pointed a microscope at two inspiring custom 4x4 builds this month: a GQ single-cab with all the fruit, and a top-of-the-line LandCruiser 300 Series GR Sport that stands out from the crowd and is the perfect camping rig.

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On the travel front, we’ve listed five of the best off-road destinations in South Australia. From the spectacular Flinders Ranges and the nearby Bendleby Station, to the wider Robe area along the coast, SA is home to some of the country’s best 4x4 destinations. Plus, we follow Kev Smith as he follows the trail from Herberton to Petford in Far North Queensland.

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And don’t forget to vote for the 2024 Maxxis Custom 4x4 of the Year, for a chance to win a Maxxis Tyres voucher valued at $1000. Voting ends November 8.

What else is there?

• Kumho Road Venture AT52 tyre test
• myCOOLMAN Recreation 20 fridge test
• Safety Dave TPMS test
• Guzzle H20 Stream test
• Road to Ruin documentary
• Plenty more!

The November 2024 issue of 4X4 Australia is out now.